Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been giving his thoughts on the upcoming derby away to Rangers on Sunday and the appointment of John Beaton as referee.
Rodgers was critical of Beaton in the wake of last month’s controversial defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle. His comments resulted in the Celtic boss being given a touchline ban by the Scottish FA.
With Beaton under so much scrutiny, some have considered it a curious decision to put him in the spotlight for the biggest game of the season so far.
Chris Sutton criticised the SFA’s handling of the matter, stating that Beaton’s appointment was a “powerplay” and has added unnecessary fuel to the fire of the derby.
However, Rodgers says he is “comfortable” with having Beaton in the middle this weekend.
Brendan Rodgers on John Beaton ahead of Celtic and Rangers
The Celtic manager stated in a media conference today [Clyde 1]: “For me, for John to be given the game – these games are for the top referees and I’ve always said that John Beaton is one of the top referees in the country.
“He’s been allocated the game – I’m comfortable with that. He’s refereed games when I’ve been there before.
“My point, like I’ve said before, was for that one game. I wasn’t talking about John Beaton’s career as a referee. My gripe was on that day.
“They will feel they have to appoint who is experienced and John is one of the top, experienced referees in the country.”
Rodgers cools talk around Beaton and Celtic
Rodgers won’t want to be seen to add pressure onto Beaton’s shoulders for this one. The Celtic boss is professional enough to brush off these questions pre-match.
He’s been consistent with his view that his complaints in the wake of the dramas at Tynecastle weren’t personal.
It’s not all about the man in the middle, either. Nick Walsh on VAR duties also needs to perform well. We need the SFA’s men to be at the top of their game.
Celtic will also be hoping, like everyone else, that there isn’t much talk about the officials in the post-match analysis.
